7 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Smartwatch

Wes Davis
Wes Davis
Apple releases iOS and watchOS updates.

Apple has rolled out a new version of iOS 17.6.1 that fixes a bug that had prevented users from enabling its Advanced Data Protection feature, as spotted by MacRumors.

watchOS 10.6.1 is also out with a fix for a bug that kept users from accessing Apple Fitness Plus through the watch, the outlet separately writes.

Wes Davis
Wes Davis
Offline navigation is on its way to Wear OS.

In the latest public beta for Google Maps, the app will automatically download maps, apparently for your local area, and you’ll have the option to delete them, according to 9to5Google.

Without the update, you’d need an LTE version of wearables like the Pixel Watch 2 for turn-by-turn directions without a paired phone nearby. (The Pixel Watch 3 already supports offline maps.)

Wes Davis
Wes Davis
Peloton and Fitbit have a new deal.

Peloton announced today that starting in September, Fitbit Premium users will get free access to more than 10 types of Peloton classes, including those for strength training, Pilates, running, and boxing.

That’s all part of a “multi-year” agreement between Peloton and Google. Peloton members will also be offered deals on the Google Pixel Watch and Fitbit Charge 6.

The kid-friendly Fitbit Ace LTE is on sale just in time for the new school yearThe kid-friendly Fitbit Ace LTE is on sale just in time for the new school year
Brandon Widder and Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 review: tried and true

8

Verge Score

It’s not an ambitious smartwatch, but honestly, it doesn’t have to be.

Victoria Song
Jay Peters
Jay Peters
The Pixel Watch 3’s new, bigger model will reportedly start at $399.

The rumored 45mm model will start at $50 more than the $349 price for the 41mm model, according to Android Headlines. With Google’s next big hardware event coming up on August 13th, we probably won’t have to wait long to see if that pricing is accurate.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra review: if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em

7

Verge Score

Functionally, copying Apple works for the Galaxy Watch Ultra. It’s just disappointing.

Victoria Song
This $56 Casio watch is a retro step tracking dream

It doesn’t do anything other than track steps, but that’s all I want it to do. And at this price? I ain’t complaining.

Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Victoria Song
Go ahead, take that nap.

Fitbit published a study in Nature Medicine using 6.5 million nights of sleep data from users that shows that sleep quality impacts long term health. In a nutshell, the worse your sleep quality, the more likely you are to have conditions like sleep apnea, obesity, migraines, high blood pressure, etc. You get it.

I won’t blame you for thinking “Duh” but this stuff can be helpful for researchers as it gives hard data to what we already know.

The best Apple Watch deals for Amazon Prime DayThe best Apple Watch deals for Amazon Prime Day
Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Wes Davis
Wes Davis
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, condensed.

We’ve prepared a 12-minute supercut of the event for you, in case you missed the livestream.

Wes Davis
Wes Davis
In case you didn’t catch those close-ups.

Here’s a gallery of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra’s detail shots. That strap connection looks pretty familiar!

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Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on: ultra déjà vu
Play

It’s the Apple Watch Ultra, but for Android. Oh, and the Galaxy Watch 7 is here, too.

Victoria Song
Antonio G. Di Benedetto
Antonio G. Di Benedetto
This GaN charger wears your Apple Watch like a little hat.

Nomad has a new $100 wall charger that, in addition to offering a pair of table-stakes USB-C ports, can also fast-charge newer Apple Watch models.

Yes, that’s right. You slap your watch on top of the 65W plug to charge. Hope your outlets are easy to reach, I guess?

If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission.

A USB wall charger plugged into an outlet, charging an Apple Watch mounted atop it as well as an iPhone via a USB cable.
Image: Nomad
The Polar Grit X2 Pro is a smartwatch that feels adrift

This is meant to be the best Polar’s got, but it has no business being this expensive.

Victoria Song
Andrew Liszewski
Andrew Liszewski
Nothing is teasing its next smartwatch’s customizability.

Following teases that revealed the first smartphone from Nothing’s affordable subbrand will have swappable rear panels, the company has shared another image on X revealing its upcoming CMF Watch Pro 2 will allow users to change the wearable’s appearance with interchangeable bezels.

The Watch Pro 2, the Phone 1, and the Buds Pro 2 will be announced on July 8th at 5AM ET.

A user attaches a swappable bezel to the CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2.
Like the CMF Phone 1, the Watch Pro 2 will allow users to easily customize the smartwatch’s appearance.
Image: Nothing